John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I broadly welcome the changes the Minister is proposing in section 4. They are long overdue, particularly for councillors who will finally be brought under the scheme. As a former councillor, like many other members, I know the long hours that are put and the work that goes into the job. The changes introduced a number of years ago for all local authorities resulted in increased demands on and an increased workload for councillors, with many meetings now taking place during the day. The changes, however, are welcome. Councillors had been paying PRSI for many years and getting nothing in return. This is a welcome first step and I hope the changes can be rolled out across the board and that in return we will see enhanced services.

There is a reference in the Bill to the bereavement grant which, as we all know, was abolished in 2014 by the then Fine Gael-Labour Party Government. There is still a form of grant available but not in the way it was awarded previously in the sense that it is awarded at the discretion of the community welfare officer. Is it the Minister's intention to reinstate the bereavement grant at its previous level? It was welcomed by and hugely beneficial to many people who found themselves in very difficult circumstances in arranging the burial of a loved one. There is a reference to it in the Bill. Is this an indication that it will be restored fully at some point in the future? I seek clarity on that issue.